At Mamushka’s — Contemplating Chest Pain

I feel the heavy iron foot of grief kicking through my chest cavity. My shoulders are clamped to the floor and my breath short-circuits every so often.

There is nothing left to do at this point, but feel it through until it’s all felt.

I have my last round of grants due before this Saturday, but I can’t muster the want, will, or care to finish them.

I’ve hurt somebody and they’re hurting and I’m hurting over their hurt and there’s nothing else to do about it.

I could go into the details of a tender romance cut off at the roots, but I don’t think that fair to her or me or, quite frankly, even want to rehash what has been buried by the shovels of yesterday.

She’s a beautiful, lovely, and remarkable woman going through a great yet difficult period of self-realization. A walk I can’t accompany her on because it would prove far too painful for me. My young face hides old tired bones.

Therefore, with sincere love and respect, I parted ways. Thus, two people far from being strangers are strangers in the world again.

All I can do now is pray. Pray that she finds the comfort, refuge, and love best suited to her. Pray that I find the comfort, refuge, and love best suited to me.

And Sulk: No bathing and No smiling. Ugly sweaters wrapped in too many blankets. Acerbic jokes and sighs.

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About vanessalibertadgarcia

Vanessa Libertad Garcia is a Cuban – American writer & filmmaker who grew up between the burbs’ and hoods of Los Angeles. A graduate of Loyola Marymount University, she’s completed a myriad of successful projects that tackle both the film and literary worlds. Ms. Garcia has worked in various capacities as writer, director, and producer on fiction films such as the HSF/McNamara Arts Grant recipient “A Two Woman One Act” and documentaries such as “Maid in America,” which debuted on PBS’ Independent Lens. Two films out of the many, which have screened at top festivals such as The Los Angeles Film Fest, The Habana Film Fest, Cinequest, and Outfest to name a few. Ms. Garcia has had writings published by venerated literary staple Lambda Literary and the up-and-coming Amor Fati. Her first book “The Voting Booth After Dark: Despicable, Embarrassing, Repulsive” is drawing laudable reviews. It’s available for purchase at amazon.com, barnes&noble.com, and many other sites. She presently has a feature film titled “Dear Dios” based on the books’ characters and a second book — the collection of poetry “Bloody Fucking Hell” — in development.
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